The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) asks that Americans take some simple steps to prepare for hurricane season. The Atlantic Hurricane season, which impacts the Texas Gulf Coast, began on June 1. Here are the recommended items that all families should have on hand in the event of a storm:
- Water, one gallon per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
- Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food for all persons in the house
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle to signal for help
- Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
- Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
- Can opener for food (if your kit contains canned food)
- Local maps
- Prescription medications and glasses
- Infant formula and diapers
- Pet food and extra water for your pets
- Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
- Cash or traveler’s checks and change
- Emergency reference material such as a first aid book or information from http://www.ready.gov
- Sleeping bag or warm blankets for each person.
- Complete change of clothing, including shirt, pants and sturdy shoes
- Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
- Fire extinguisher
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
- Mess kits, paper cups, plates, plastic utensils and paper towels
- Paper and pencil
- Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children
And, last but not least, consider a safe insect repellent as mosquitoes tend to come after a wet summer hurricane.
